Robert E. “Bob” Burghart

Robert E. “Bob” Burghart age 80, of Quincy died on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Blessing Hospital, due to injuries sustained in a fall. He was born in Quincy on October 7, 1944, a son of William T. “Bill” and Alice (Duvall) Burghart.

He married Clara Reinold on November 6, 1965, in the former St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and she survives.

Bob graduated from Quincy High School in 1963 and began a career in sales. In 1972, he established Robert E. Burghart Insurance, which he operated with his wife, Clara, until their retirement in 2010. Bob and his lifelong friend, John Schlipmann, opened Quincy Appliance in 1983, which continues to serve the Quincy area in its original location at 801 Maine. Bob loved helping people and was trusted for giving great advice.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he was a greeter for many years.

Bob was an early member and longtime board member of the Quinsippi Soccer League. He was instrumental in raising the necessary funds to acquire the property that became the Paul Dennis Complex. He remained a lifelong soccer fan and enjoyed coaching his children and watching his grandchildren play the game.

He was an avid “car guy” and a successful drag racer. Bob shared his passion for racing with his sons. Together, they spent countless hours working on their cars and racing. You could always count on Bob to lend a hand or offer a spare part to keep someone else going.
Of his many accomplishments, Bob was most proud of his family. He treasured their time spent together and most enjoyed sharing old stories with his grandchildren and everyone else!

In addition to his wife Clara, survivors include their children:

Renee (Tom) Aller of Maryville, TN: Brad (Cheryl) Burghart of Quincy; Michelle (Bob) Patrick of Perryville, MO; David (Jennifer) Burghart of Ypsilanti, MI.

Grandchildren: Andrea (Dylan) Friesz; Grant, Jenna and Natalie Aller, Breann and Evan Burghart, and triplets, Mallory, Allie and Jack Patrick.

A brother Vic (Janet) Burghart of Rochester, IL and a sister Terri (Chris) Miller of Normal, IL.

Many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament with Msgr. Michael Kuse, celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh. Memorials are suggested to: Quincy Humane Society, Special Olympics Illinois-Region H, or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com

12 Comments

  1. Lonnie Foust on March 10, 2025 at 4:22 pm

    Great guy I am going to miss him and all his stories.

  2. Sheila & Kent Stevenson on March 10, 2025 at 4:53 pm

    Brad, Cheryl, Breanne, Evan, and family. Kent and I are so sorry about your loss. We did not know him personally, however, after reading his obituary, he must’ve been one of the finest man on earth. May God and your memories comfort you during this time. ❤️🙏🫂

  3. Reggie Gilbert on March 10, 2025 at 8:55 pm

    A great guy who would do anything for a fellow racer! Gonna miss him

  4. Brian & Glenda Hackett on March 10, 2025 at 9:37 pm

    Glenda & I are so very sorry for the passing of our friend, Bob. We have countless memories of great times had at the race track and with the family. Bob was a wonderful example of a man dedicated to his family and community and will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with the entire family at this time. May his memory be forever a blessing.

  5. Jim & Mary Fuller on March 10, 2025 at 10:25 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Burghart family.

  6. Rolla Wike on March 10, 2025 at 10:26 pm

    I first met Bob in ‘58-‘59 when he worked at Broadway Drugstore on Broadway between 17th-18th. Would see him through the years and when we started our car business he became our insurance guy for the business and personal. He was always honest and helpful through the years. He and my husband and oldest son also had drag cars and racing in common and were at many of the same meets. Sad to think he won’t be out working on a car or giving advice to someone but I know much of his helpful advice will live on w/those he talked with and with his sons.

  7. Susan Patrick on March 11, 2025 at 10:02 am

    Michelle, Bob and family, please know you are on our minds and in our hearts. We are out of town and sorry we cannot be with the family today. Our condolences to your mother and siblings as well. Sending love and all of Gods blessing. Love, Sue, Tom and family

  8. Mike Lavery on March 11, 2025 at 10:26 am

    Knew Bob from grade school years and never heard a curse word from him. He loved people and was never in too big of a rush to visit awhile. He will be greatly missed. To Clara and the family, I am very sorry for his passing!

  9. Rick Haugh on March 11, 2025 at 12:16 pm

    My sympathies to the family on Bob’s passing. I harken back to our days with the Quinsippi Soccer League when he was on the board with me. A true gentleman who always had a kind word. Willing to do the grunt work necessary to get a job done.
    It’s a privilege to say that I knew him.

  10. Rick Koyer on March 11, 2025 at 6:45 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Bob was such a great guy and will be missed.

  11. James ( Jimmy ) Fischer on March 11, 2025 at 8:03 pm

    My condolences Clare, my brother Dave texted me about Bob, so sorry, l have very fond memories of Bob, Ron Fischer & l , so many fun times together n Quincy .
    Even though l have been away from Bob & Quincy l miss his humor & laugh, remembering all the fun times & the frig in the garage, hope to see him again when l leave this earth life !

  12. Steve Comstock on March 12, 2025 at 3:56 am

    Great guy, was blessed to know him and work with him on some of his race cars. He will be greatly missed.

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